How to Treat an Overheated Dog
Dogs cannot tolerate too much heat. Their fur, which covers their entire bodies, prevents them from sweating. The only external surface not covered with fur is their paw pads -- which explains the damp paw prints you might find on the sidewalk on hot summer days. Because your dog sweats so little, it is important that you know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and how to treat them if they occur. Knowing what to do when your dog gets hot and taking immediate action can save its life.
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Face cloth or towel
- Rectal thermometer
- Lubricant
- Optional
- Electrolyte solution, children's formula
Instructions
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1
Remove your dog from the heat. Put your dog in the shade, in an air-conditioned car, or bring it inside an air-conditioned house.
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2
Use a cool, damp cloth to moisten your dog's face and paw pads (See References 1). Doing so will allow evaporation to occur and the heat to dissipate. Offer your dog cool water to drink.
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3
Immerse your dog in cool water, thoroughly wetting its coat, as soon as it is possible to do so.
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4
Use a well-lubricated rectal thermometer to check your dog's temperature every five minutes. Your dog can be moved safely when the thermometer indicates a temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
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5
Towel-dry your dog.
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6
Bring it to the veterinarian for further treatment.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Immediately remove your dog from the hot area if it shows any of the signs of either heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If your dog is in the direct sunlight, bring it into the shade or bring it inside (See References 1, 2).
Give your dog water or an electrolyte solution formulated for children if it is willing to drink. If your dog is unwilling to drink, do not force it to do so.
Never leave your dog in a car when it is hot or even warm outside. If you simply cannot avoid doing so, cool the car as much as possible before shutting off the engine, leave windows open for cross-ventilation and leave your dog with plenty to drink.
If your dog is in a warm car or is otherwise in danger of overheating, check back on your dog frequently: every five to ten minutes is not too often.
Consider getting a crate fan if you use a plastic airline-style crate. Always leave a full water bottle or bowl hanging from a crate door.
Ensure that your pet's carrier has adequate air flow around its crate (See References 3). Hot, stagnant air can turn your dog's crate into an oven and cause symptoms of heat exhaustion.
Pay attention to the rate of your dog's panting. Because they have no way to reduce their internal temperature efficiently by sweating, they must pant to cool themselves. The hotter they get, the more rapid their panting becomes.
As heat exhaustion sets in, the inside of the dog's ears will redden and nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur (See References 4).
Heat stroke may first become evident when the dog becomes disoriented, confused, or lethargic. It may begin to drool excessively while at the same time refusing to drink, causing its saliva to become sticky (See References 2, 4).
If overheating continues, your dog may experience a temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit, rectal bleeding, a loss of consciousness, coma or even death (See References 2, 4).
Once it has arrived at the vet, your dog will be given intravenous fluids and, if necessary, oxygen. Your dog may need to stay overnight at the veterinarian's office for observation and to have its blood and clotting time monitored (See References 2).
Avoid using cold water or ice water to bring your dog's temperature down from dangerous levels. According to PetEducation.com, "using very cold water can actually be counterproductive. Cooling too quickly and especially allowing his body temperature to become too low can cause other life-threatening medical conditions" (See References 2).
References
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